As a general rule of thumb, a real Rolex will almost always weigh more than a counterfeit. Therefore, simply feeling for the weight of a Rolex watch is an easy enough tip for how to spot a fake Rolex. This is because authentic Rolex watches are crafted from the highest-grade materials. More modern Rolex timepieces are made of such materials like 904L stainless steel, 18k gold, or 950 platinum. Some vintage Rolex watches are made from 9k gold, 14k gold, gold shell, and 316L stainless steel before Rolex switched over to using 904L steel. That being said, most imitation Rolexes are made with cheaper materials – in both cost and quality – and tend to be comparatively more lightweight, less sturdy, and in shoddier condition than genuine Rolex watches.
Something else to consider is which material the Rolex model in question is made of. For instance, some Rolex watches like the Milgauss, Explorer, Explorer II, and Deepsea have only ever been made in stainless steel. Knowing this, you can tell that any of these models made in any other material like gold, platinum, or any two-tone combination of materials is indeed a replica. By the same token, watches from Rolex’s Day-Date collection are made exclusively with precious metals like 18k gold or platinum, and any Day-Date you see made with other materials can be determined a fake. Furthermore, the new rubber Rolex Oysterflex bracelet is only ever fitted to yellow, white, or rose gold Rolex watches. Accordingly, if you ever find an Oysterflex bracelet fitted on a steel, platinum, or two-tone Rolex, you can be sure that it’s not authentic.
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Credit to The Watch Standard for these articles.